Thursday, January 25, 2018

This faux brick technique can be used in any area of the home, but today we will be using it to do a back splash. It's an easy, inexpensive, and gorgeous DIY that any farmhouse lover would be envious
of!

First start with faux brick panels from the hardware store. I used 4'x8' sheets.

Next measure the length and height that each panel will need to be cut to.

Now, mark the panels to correct size to be cut and cut them with the saw of your choice. I used a jig saw and a table saw to make the cuts.

Cutting the panels to size is a little like a game of Tetris. You may have to waste cut a few rose so that they line up when the are hung end to end (side by side.)

I found it easiest to lay the panels flat on the ground in a line as I cut them to make sure they lined up exactly.

Next, you need to take the panels in and mark where notches may need to be cut in order for the panels to fit under the cabinets.

I just used the table saw to cut back and forth to make a notch in the panels.

This next tip is super helpful for cutting the holes for the outlets! Take a tube of toothpaste and squirt a little on the corners of each outlet. Then slide your panels into place. Then remove the again and the toothpaste will have transferred to the back of the panel showing where you need to cut the hole for the outlet. To get the exact size of the cut needed trace the outlet cover and then cut your hole slightly smaller.

To cut the hole for the outlet first drill pilot holes in the panel and then use a jig saw to cut along the outline that your drew with the outlet cover.

Now, your ready to set your panels in place. First, put construction adhesive on the back of the panels and then press them into place. Use a nail gun or panel nails to attach the panels into place.

Don't worry if you have gaps or spaces between the panels. It will be covered up in the faux finishing process.

The first step of the faux finish is to sporadically paint some of the bricks white.

Then go in and paint some of them a taupe/tan color.

Paint a few a light gray and a few dark gray.

Before the paint is completely dry use a wet rag to rub and blend the paint on each brick.

Then, take the drywall spackle and trowel in very thinly all over the brick.

Lastly, take the grout and using your fingers fill in all the lines where the mortar would be present and any gaps in the panels. I tried several other ways to apply it, but just using my fingers seemed to be the easiest.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Time to get rid of those dirty, dingy outdated popcorn ceilings, because like I always say, popcorn belongs in your belly not on your ceiling. First, things first, make sure you have your ceiling in your home tested for asbestos BEFORE you begin this project. Exposure to asbestos is extremely harmful.

Next, you want to be sure to cover EVERYTHING with plastic. Don't skimp on this step or you will be sorry later. Imagine your toddler children having a mud fight in whatever room your in. That's whats about to happen, so prepare accordingly. Remove or tape off any fixtures. Turn off power is a power fixture is present, because you will be spraying water all over the ceiling.

Third, take a pump sprayer and spray down a small section of the ceiling with hot water. Let in soak in a minute or so, then spray it again. You then can begin using a metal or plastic scraper to start scraping away the popcorn. Be sure to wear eye protection. It will get in your eyes if you don't.

After you have wet and scraped each section of the ceiling go back over it wiping it down clean with a wet rag or a mop. You want to be sure and remove as much of the remaining dust as possible. Paint won't stick to dust.

Now, you may notice a few imperfections in the ceiling. You can use sheet rock repair to smooth these out with a little scraper tool. You can sand when dry if necessary, but I have yet to find that necessary.

Allow the ceiling to dry completely. It usually dries pretty quickly, maybe 30 minutes time and then you are ready to start priming. Priming is absolutely necessary. The paint itself will not adhere well directly to the sheet rock. If you aren't going to also be painting the walls you may want to tape them off or go around with a brush first. I will be repainting these walls so I'm just rolling it on.

Allow your primer to dry completely and then you are ready to apply the ceiling paint. Roll it on and you are done. Except for cleaning up your mess. That's always the worst part!

I know it's hard to see a huge transformation of the texture from pictures, but if you have this stuff in your house now, you know what a difference it makes to have it gone! lol